Correctional Specialist- Justice Services

Compensation Range
$30.18 - $39.24

Job Description Summary
The Correctional Specialist within the Justice Services Department provides facility management and community supervision of adult male and female offenders (clients) sentenced to the Work Release or Electronic Monitoring programs (often referred to as Alternative Sentencing Programs) in lieu of secure jail incarceration. The Correctional Specialist monitors clients in a staff-secure residential setting that operates 24 hours a day and, in the community, while mitigating risk to public safety. Explains program rules and establishes and maintains communication with employers; provides program orientation to clients. Provides supervision by maintaining current, accessible records of client work schedules, work sites, in and out times, collection of fees, consistent enforcement of program rules and procedures, and completion of required court sentencing documents.

Shift: Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 6:15 PM and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:00 AM to 6:15 PM. Must work shifts, holidays, and weekends necessary to meet departmental outcomes.

Job Description

Program Operations - 70%

• Ensure policies, rules and court-ordered conditions of client placement reflect actual practices and are applied consistently and uniformly.
• Maintain accurate and complete client files and records of all activity and behavior; maintain daily schedule of all clients and verify authorized employment.
• Responsible for computer data entry of client court orders and maintaining computer events required to document Work Release and Electronic Monitoring In-Home Detention sentences and client whereabouts.
• Utilize county, judicial, state and national law enforcement databases to obtain or review criminal history information about clients.
• Ensure safety and security of clients, staff, and public; ensure effective supervision of clients 24 hours a day.
• Conduct thorough area and personal searches to maintain effective control of the clients and deter introduction of contraband.
• Conduct client head-counts and facility walk-throughs while demonstrating good situational awareness; ensure a safe, secure and sanitary Work Release Facility; oversee chore assignments to clients.
• Collect and process breath and urine samples for the detection of substance use by clients.
• Conduct random whereabouts verification of clients in the community using electronic monitoring technology, third party and/or direct visual observation.
• Write infraction reports and follow disciplinary procedures to document rule violations by clients as necessary.
• Conduct evacuation drills and follow all emergency procedures.
• Ability to operate safely a vehicle in routine conditions.

Client Relations - 30%

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, county employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with a criminal population in a consistent manner by answering questions, setting limits and holding clients accountable.
• Effectively communicate program rules, regulations, and operations to clients and employers.

Required Qualifications

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree in sociology, psychology, human services, corrections and/or social sciences or a related field.

Experience Qualifications

• 1 year of related experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals; (High proficiency)
• Ability to write reports and correspondence; (Medium proficiency)
• Sufficient writing skill to describe accurately an observation or action to an independent, third party without the need for additional oral explanation; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of clients, the general public and/or employees of organizations; (Medium proficiency)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) language skills, with ability to translate, interpret and communicate with others are desired; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to communicate effectively with and persuade persons of differing backgrounds and behavior patterns in a wide range of settings; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions; adaptable to perform under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to exercise reasonable de-escalation and behavioral modification techniques with persons under correctional supervision and/or with the public; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to apply basic mathematical calculations; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to apply good sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to perceive and apply sound, objective reasoning and decision making under sometimes stressful or hostile conditions; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard, portable and mobile two-way police radio, passenger car motor vehicle or have personal transportation available; (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to learn and install electronic home monitoring equipment on a person; and (Medium proficiency)
• Ability to be self-directed, plan, problem solve, and effectively meet desired Alternative Program outcomes. (Medium proficiency)
• Candidate must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date.

Licenses and Certifications

• Driving is essential in this position.
• Candidate must have a valid Driver's License and Liability Insurance ( Upon Hire Required )
• Candidate must pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) evaluation and if hired, will be subject to continuous monthly MVR monitoring and random drug screens throughout employment. ( Required )
• Pre-employment substance screening is required for this position.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy.

This position is non-exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay.

As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings.

Use the link below to get a closer look at the generous benefits offered:

Weld County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We ensure that all employment practices are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Weld County pledges to uphold a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, promoting fairness and dignity for all employees. We actively take affirmative action to comply with nondiscrimination policies and invite qualified individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to contact our Human Resources Department at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.